Bracket-active grille and actuator

ABSTRACT

A modular a bracket which forms a cavity such that the bracket surrounds and supports an actuator. In one embodiment, the bracket is made of multiple pieces and also connects together without the use of fasteners. The pieces are connected together through the use of several attachment features, with a portion of each of the attachment features integrally formed as part of each half. The bracket also includes a plurality of alignment features integrally formed as part of the bracket. The alignment features support and properly position the actuator within the cavity. The design of the bracket reduces and simplifies design and tooling, and also has minimal components and fasteners, which also simplifies and reduces labor time.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/456,984 filed on Nov. 16, 2010. The disclosure of the aboveapplication is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bracket used for supporting anactuator and a plurality of louvers in a grille having active ducting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various attempts have been made to optimize the cooling of variousautomobile parts. Some of the various devices developed have beendesigned to control the air flow throughout the engine compartment ofthe automobile such that the desired amount of heat is transferred awayfrom the engine, transmission, and other components which generate heatin order to maintain an optimal operating temperature.

However, it is also desirable to bring the engine up to the normaloperating temperature as soon as possible after engine start-up. Whenthe engine is substantially the same temperature as the surroundingenvironment and is turned on, the engine is the least fuel efficient(especially during start-up and the temperature of the surroundingenvironment is cold). The reduced fuel efficiency is why it isconsidered desirable to bring the engine up to the optimal operatingtemperature very quickly. Under these conditions, it is not desirable toremove heat away from the engine and the various components surroundingthe engine, and therefore devices designed to control air flow aroundthe engine are more beneficially used if they do not remove heat awayfrom the engine at start-up.

Furthermore, components designed to provide optimal cooling when thevehicle is new may operate differently after the vehicle has accumulatedsignificant mileage. This may occur due to various weather conditions,changes in the way the vehicle is operated in response to differentdrivers, or wear and tear on the vehicle components and othercomponents. All of these factors may affect or change the operation ofthe components over time as the vehicle accumulates mileage. Also, withmany current cooling systems, the airflow generated from the forwardmotion of a vehicle is not efficiently used to cool the variouscomponents of the vehicle. Rather, many of the components of a vehiclecause poor airflow which leads to aerodynamic inefficiencies.

One particular attempt at this type of cooling is the use of louverswhich are moveable between various positions to manipulate the air flowaround the various components underneath the hood of the automobile.These louvers are typically controlled by a type of actuator, eithermechanical or electrical, which is connected to the louvers, andprovides for simultaneous actuation of the louvers. However, theactuator must be connected to the grille, or a location in proximity tothe grille, to provide for actuation of each of the louvers. Connectionof the actuator typically includes some type of fastener or other devicefor connecting the actuator to the grille.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a actuator that is connectable to agrille or other component which is simplified and uses a minimal amountof fasteners.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a bracket which forms a cavity suchthat the bracket surrounds and supports an actuator. In one embodiment,the bracket is made of multiple pieces and also connects togetherwithout the use of fasteners. The pieces are connected together throughthe use of several attachment features, with a portion of each of theattachment features integrally formed as part of each half.

The bracket also includes a plurality of alignment features integrallyformed as part of the bracket. The alignment features support andproperly position the actuator within the cavity. The design of thepresent invention reduces and simplifies design and tooling, and alsohas minimal components and fasteners, which also simplifies and reduceslabor time.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a bracket for receiving anactuator used to operate an active grille, where the bracket includes afirst half, a second half selectively connected to the first half, and aplurality of attachment features for connecting the first half to thesecond half. A cavity formed when the first half is connected to thesecond half, and an actuator disposed in the cavity operable foractuating one or more louvers. The bracket also includes a firstplurality of alignment features, and a second plurality of alignmentfeatures for providing proper alignment of the actuator in the cavity. Agroove is formed as part of the first half, and a lip formed as part ofthe second half such that the lip is at least partially disposed in thegroove when the first half is connected to the second half.

The bracket also has a plurality of side apertures operable forsupporting the louvers operated by the actuator. A portion of theplurality of side apertures formed as part of the first half, and aportion of the side apertures formed as part of the second half.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a bracket used as part of an activeducting system, according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a bracket used as part of an active ductingsystem, according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a bracket used as part of an active ductingsystem, according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of alignment features andattachment features formed as part of a bracket used as part of anactive ducting system, according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a second enlarged perspective view of alignment features andattachment features formed as part of a bracket used as part of anactive ducting system, according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a third enlarged perspective view of alignment features andattachment features formed as part of a bracket used as part of anactive ducting system, according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a bracket used as part of an activeducting system, according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a bracket used as part of an activeducting system, with each half of the bracket separated from oneanother, according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a front view of an active ducting system having a bracket,according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of an active ducting system having a bracket,according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an active ducting system having abracket, according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12A is a first side view of an actuator used in an active ductingsystem having a bracket, according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12B is a second side view of an actuator used in an active ductingsystem having a bracket, according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13A is a first side view of a bracket used in an active ductingsystem, according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13B is a rear view of a bracket used in an active ducting system,according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13C is a second side view of a bracket used in an active ductingsystem, according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14A is a side view of the inside of the first half of a bracket,with the actuator assembled to the bracket, used in an active ductingsystem, according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14B is a side view of the inside of a second half of a bracket,with the actuator assembled to the bracket, used in an active ductingsystem, according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15A is a front view of the first half of a bracket used in anactive ducting system, according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 15B is a side view of the inside of the first half of a bracketused in an active ducting system, according to a second embodiment ofthe present invention

FIG. 16A is a front view of the second half of a bracket used in anactive ducting system, according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 16B is a side view of the inside of a second half of a bracket,used in an active ducting system, according to a second embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 17 is a second rear view of an active ducting system having abracket, according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along lines 18-18 of FIG. 17; and

FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along lines 19-19 of FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses.

A first embodiment of a bracket according to the present invention isshown in FIGS. 1-8 generally at 10. The bracket 10 includes a firstpiece 12 and a second piece 14, which when connected together form acavity, shown generally at 16, for receiving an actuator 18. In thisembodiment, each piece 12,14 represents half of the bracket 10, but itis within the scope of the invention that the bracket 10 may be made ofa single piece, or more than two pieces.

The bracket 10 also includes a plurality of alignment features, some ofwhich are a first plurality of alignment features, shown generally at20, and some of which are a second plurality of alignment features,shown generally at 22. Each of the first plurality of alignment features20 is made up of a first projection 24 formed as part of the first piece12 of the bracket 10, and a second projection 26 formed as part of thesecond piece 14 of the bracket 10. In this embodiment, the firstprojection 24 has an X-shaped cross section which is in alignment withthe second projection 26, which also has an X-shaped cross section whichcorresponds to the X-shaped cross section of the first projection 24.While the X-shaped cross sections have been described, it is within thescope of the invention that other types of cross sections may be used.

Each of the second alignment features 22 includes a third projection 28formed as part of the first piece 12 of the bracket 10, and a fourthprojection 30 formed as part of the second piece 14 of the bracket 10.In this embodiment, the third projection 28 is made of two flangescreating an X-shaped cross section, and includes a recessed portion,shown generally at 92, where the two flanges intersect. The recessedportion 92 receives a tapered portion 94 integrally formed with a narrowportion 102, and the narrow portion 102 is integrally formed with a wideportion 104. The tapered portion 94, narrow portion 102, and wideportion are all formed as part of the fourth projection 30. The fourthprojection 30 also has an X-shaped cross section. While the thirdprojection 28 and fourth projection 30 have been described as havingX-shaped cross sections, it is within the scope of the invention thatother cross sections may be used.

The actuator 18 includes a plurality of apertures 32 which, along withthe alignment features 20,22, retain the actuator 18 within the cavity16. More specifically, when the pieces 12,14 of the bracket 10 areconnected together, the first projection 24 formed as part of the firstpiece 12 and the second projection 26 formed as part of the second piece14 contact and support the sides of the actuator 18. The firstprojection 24 and second projection 26 both include a first plurality ofsupport surfaces 106 which rest against the sides of the actuator 18,supporting the actuator 18.

Additionally, the third projection 28 formed as part of the first piece12 contacts the fourth projection 30 formed as part of the second piece14 such that the narrow portion 102 of the fourth projection 30 extendsinto a second of the apertures 32, and the tapered portion 94 isreceived into the recessed area 92 of the third projection 28. The thirdprojection 28 and includes a second plurality of support surfaces 108,which when the bracket 10 and actuator 18 are assembled rest against thesides of the actuator 18 in proximity to the apertures 32, best seen inFIG. 7.

The bracket 10 also includes a third plurality of alignment features,shown generally at 110, which include a fifth projection 112 and a sixthprojection 114. The sixth projection 114 also includes a wide portion116 and a narrow portion 118, but does not have a tapered portion. Whenthe bracket 10 is assembled, the narrow portion 118 extends into one ofthe apertures 32 of the actuator 18, and contacts the fifth projection112, and provides support for the actuator 18. The fifth projection 112also includes a third plurality of support surfaces 120 which restagainst the actuator 18 to support the actuator 18 when the bracket 10and actuator 18 are assembled. The third plurality of alignment features110 provide an anti-rotation function to prevent the actuator 18 fromrotating when assembled with the bracket 10. While it has been shownthat the fifth projection 112 and the sixth projection 114 have X-shapedcross sections, it is within the scope of the invention that other typesof cross sections may be used.

The bracket 10 also optionally includes a fourth plurality of alignmentfeatures, shown generally at 122, which include a seventh projection 124and an eighth projection 126. The seventh projection 124 also includes awide portion 128, and a single flange 130 extending away from the wideportion 128, where the single flange 130 contacts the eighth projection126 when the bracket 10 is assembled. The fourth plurality of alignmentfeatures 122 may be incorporated into the bracket 10 when the bracket 10is used for a different type of actuator. Furthermore, each of theprojections 124,126 may also include a fourth plurality of supportsurfaces 132 which may be positioned against the actuator 18 when thebracket 10 and actuator 18 are assembled together. While it has beenshown that the seventh projection 124 and the eighth projection 126 haveX-shaped cross sections, it is within the scope of the invention thatother types of cross sections may be used.

The bracket 10 also includes a plurality of attachment features, each ofwhich includes a projection 36 operable for being selectively insertedinto a slot 38 to provide a “snap-fit” connection. The slot 38 is formedas part of the first piece 12, and the projection 36 is formed as partof the second piece 14. Each projection 36 includes an angled surface 96and a notch, shown generally at 98, which includes a retaining surface100. As the first piece 12 is assembled to the second piece 14, theprojection 36 is inserted through the slot 38 such that the projection36 deflects as the angled surface 96 contacts the inner surface of theslot 38. Once the projection 36 is inserted into the slot 38 far enoughsuch that the notch 98 has passed through the slot 38, the projection 36no longer deflects, and the retaining surface 100 retains the projection36 in the slot 38, best shown in FIGS. 1-6. In this embodiment, thereare three attachment features, but it is within the scope of theinvention that more or less attachment features may be used. Morespecifically, there is an upper attachment feature, shown generally at40, a middle attachment feature, shown generally at 42, and a lowerattachment feature, shown generally at 44.

To further provide proper alignment between each piece 12,14 of thebracket 10, there is a groove 46 formed as part of the first piece 12which receives a lip 48 formed as part of the second piece 14 when thepieces 12,14 are connected to one another. Both the groove 46 and lip 48extend almost the entire periphery of the respective pieces 12,14,providing additional rigidity for the connection between the pieces12,14.

The actuator 18 includes an aperture 49 in which a star-shaped gear,shown generally at 50 in FIG. 12A, is exposed. The gear 50 connects toone of a plurality of louvers, and the louvers are linked together suchthat the louvers move in unison. The louvers are mounted into aplurality of side apertures 52, where some of the side apertures 52 areformed as part of the first piece 12, and some of the side apertures 52are formed as part of the second piece 14. The gear 50 may be connectedto an electric motor or the like, and the motor may be interfaced withthe vehicle's CPU.

The bracket 10 functions to support the actuator 18 in space without theuse of additional fasteners. The first piece 12 is formed as a singlecomponent, and the second piece 14 is formed as a single component, andthe pieces 12,14 are joined together without any separate fasteners. Thealignment features 20,22,110,122 and the attachment features 40,42,44are formed as part of each piece 12,14 of the bracket 10. The bracket 10simplifies design and tooling, and also has minimal components andfasteners, which also simplifies and reduces labor time.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 9-19,where like numbers refer to like elements. In this embodiment, thebracket, generally shown at 60, also includes a first piece 62 and asecond piece 64, and the pieces 62,64 combine to form a cavity,generally shown at 66. The cavity 66 receives the actuator 18, which isthe same actuator 18 described in the first embodiment.

The first piece 62 includes a first locator projection 68 which is partof a first type of alignment feature, shown generally at 70, which isused with a second locator projection 72 which is also part of thealignment feature 70, to support the actuator 18. The second locatorprojection 72 is part of the second piece 64. In one embodiment, each ofthe projections 68,72 also include support surfaces 134 which arepositioned against the actuator 18 to support the actuator 18 in thecavity 66, in alternate embodiment, one or both of the projections 68,72extend into one of the apertures 32 such that the projections 68,72contact one another, supporting the actuator 32 in the cavity 66.

The bracket 60 in this embodiment also has a second type of alignmentfeature, shown generally at 136, which has a third locator projection138 and a fourth locator projection 140. Each of the fourth locatorprojections 140 includes a wide portion 142 integrally formed with anarrow portion 144, and each of the narrow portions 144 extends througha corresponding aperture 32 of the actuator 18, and contact the thirdlocator projection 138, securing the position of the actuator 18 withinthe cavity 66. The wide portions 142 of the fourth locator projection140 and the third projections 138 also have support surfaces 146 whichrest against the actuator 18 to support the actuator 18 when the bracket60 and actuator 18 are assembled together.

The second embodiment of the bracket 60 is not limited to the use of thefirst locator projection 68 used in combination with the second locatorprojection 72, or the third locator projection 138 in combination withthe fourth locator projection 140. As an alternate embodiment, thefourth projection 140 formed as part of the second piece 64 may extendthrough one of the apertures 32 and contact a boss 150 formed as part ofthe first piece 62, shown in FIG. 18. In yet another alternativeembodiment, the third locator projection 138 may extend through anaperture 32 in the actuator 32 and contact a boss 152 formed as part ofthe second piece 64.

There is also a locating feature 148 formed as part of the first piece62. The locating feature 148 extends into one of the apertures 32 formedas part of the actuator 18, and contacts an inner surface of the secondpiece 64, to further locate the actuator 18 in the cavity 66 of thebracket 60.

The second embodiment of the bracket 60 also includes the attachmentfeatures having the projections 36 which are received into the slots 38which function in a similar manner compared to the first embodiment,providing a snap-fit connection between the first piece 62 and thesecond piece 64. The projections 36 are formed as part of the firstpiece 62, and the slots 38 are formed as part of the second piece 64.Once the pieces 62,64 are connected, and then connected to the frame 76,the actuator 18 is completely concealed, and protected from the outsideenvironment, eliminating exposure to debris and moisture.

As with the first embodiment, the gear 50 is connected to one of aplurality of louvers 74. In this embodiment, there are two sets oflouvers 74, and portion of the louvers 74 are also mounted to one sideof a frame 76, and another portion of the louvers 74 are mounted to theopposite side of the frame 76, best seen in FIGS. 9 and 10. To ensurethat the louvers 74 rotate in unison, a first linkage 78 and a secondlinkage 80 are connected to the louvers 74 as shown in FIGS. 9-10, andthe bottom two louvers 74 are also connected to one another. This allowsfor the gear 50 to simply be connected to the top louver 74 on theleft-hand side of the frame 76 when looking at FIG. 10, but have controlover all of the louvers 74 because of the connection between the louversusing the linkages 78,80. However, it is within the scope of theinvention that the actuator 18 may have multiple gears 50 connected tomore than one of the louvers 14. In an alternate embodiment, a gear 50is exposed on each side of the actuator 18, and is connected to one ofthe louvers 14 on each side.

Also formed as part of the first piece 62 is an upper tab 82 and a lowertab 84, both of which are used along with a fastener, which in thisembodiment is a bolt 86, to connect the bracket 60 to the frame 76.

The first piece 62 also includes a groove 88 substantially extendingcircumferentially around the first piece 62, best shown in FIG. 14A,which receives a corresponding lip 90 extending circumferentially aroundthe second piece 64, best seen in FIG. 14B. The lip 90 received into thegroove 88 provides for proper positioning between the two pieces 62,64.

While is has been shown with regard to the above embodiments that thebracket 10 has two pieces 12,14, it is within the scope of the inventionthat the bracket 10 may be made of different configurations. Otherembodiments may include a single piece bracket 10 having a cover forsecuring the actuator 18, a two-piece bracket 10 where one part islarger than the other, and makes up a greater portion of the bracket 10,a three-piece bracket 10, or other types of pieces that may be designedfor a specific application.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and,thus, variations that do not depart from the essence of the inventionare intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variationsare not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A bracket used for an active grille, comprising: a first piece; asecond piece selectively assembled to said first piece; a cavity formedby the connection of said first piece to said second piece; a pluralityof attachment features securing the connection between said first pieceand said second piece; an actuator secured in said cavity, said actuatorcoupled to one or more louvers for controlling the rotation of said oneor more louvers; and a plurality of alignment features extending intosaid cavity and contacting said actuator to position said actuator insaid cavity during assembly of said first piece and said second piece,and said actuator is positionally secured in said cavity.
 2. The bracketused for an active grille of claim 1, further comprising: a grooveintegrally formed as part of said first piece; and a lip integrallyformed as part of said second piece; wherein said lip is received intosaid groove when said first piece is connected to said second piece,aligning said first piece with said second piece.
 3. The bracket usedfor an active grille of claim 1, said plurality of alignment features isa first plurality of alignment features, each of said first plurality ofalignment features further comprising: a first projection integrallyformed with said first piece; and a second projection integrally formedwith said second piece; wherein said first projection and said secondprojection contact said actuator such that first projection and saidsecond projection support said actuator in said housing.
 4. The bracketused for an active grille of claim 3, further comprising a secondplurality of alignment features for positioning said actuator in saidcavity.
 5. The bracket used for an active grille of claim 4, said secondplurality of alignment features further comprising: a third projectionintegrally formed with said first piece; a recessed portion formed aspart of said third projection; a fourth projection integrally formedwith said second piece; and a tapered portion formed as part of saidfourth projection; wherein at least a portion of said fourth projectionextends into a first of said plurality of apertures formed as part ofsaid actuator such that third projection contacts said fourthprojection, and at least a portion of said tapered portion is receivedby said recess, retaining said actuator in said housing.
 6. The bracketused for an active grille of claim 4, further comprising a thirdplurality of alignment features for positioning said actuator in saidcavity.
 7. The bracket used for an active grille of claim 6, said thirdplurality of alignment features further comprising: a fifth projectionintegrally formed with said first piece; and a sixth projectionintegrally formed with said second piece; wherein at least a portion ofsaid sixth projection extends into a second of said plurality ofapertures formed as part of said actuator such that fifth projectioncontacts said sixth projection, preventing the rotation of said actuatorrelative to said bracket.
 8. The bracket used for an active grille ofclaim 6, further comprising a fourth plurality of alignment features forpositioning said actuator in said cavity.
 9. The bracket used for anactive grille of claim 8, said fourth plurality of alignment featuresfurther comprising: a seventh projection having a single flange, saidseventh projection integrally formed with said first piece; and aneighth projection integrally formed with said second piece; wherein atleast a portion of said single flange extends into a third of saidplurality of apertures formed as part of said actuator such that saidsingle flange contacts said eighth projection, locating said actuator insaid cavity.
 10. The bracket used for an active grille of claim 1,further comprising a plurality of side apertures for supporting said oneor more louvers.
 11. The bracket used for an active grille of claim 10,wherein a portion of said side aperture are formed as part of said firstpiece, and a portion of said side apertures are formed as part of saidsecond piece.
 12. The bracket used for an active grille of claim 1, eachof said plurality of attachment features further comprising: aprojection formed as part of said first piece; and a slot formed as partof said second piece; wherein at least a portion of said projectionextends through said slot when said first piece is connected to saidsecond piece, securing said first piece to said second piece.
 13. Thebracket used for an active grille of claim 1, further comprising: anupper tab formed as part of said first piece; a lower tab formed as partof said first piece; and wherein said bracket is attached to a frame ofa grille using a fastener inserted through said upper tab, and anotherfastener inserted through said lower tab.
 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)16. The bracket used for an active grille of claim 11, wherein saidactuator is concealed when said first piece is connected to said secondpiece, and said first piece and said second piece are connected to aframe.
 17. A bracket for receiving an actuator used to operate an activegrille, comprising: a first half; a second half; a cavity, a portion ofsaid cavity formed by said first half, and a portion of said cavityformed by said second half when said first half is connected to saidsecond half; a plurality of attachment features for connecting saidfirst half to said second half; an actuator disposed and supported insaid cavity when said first half is connected to said second half; afirst plurality of alignment features for orienting said actuator insaid cavity such that when said first half is connected to said secondhalf, said actuator is disposed in said cavity and secured by said firstplurality of alignment features; and a second plurality of alignmentfeatures for orienting said actuator in said cavity such that when saidfirst half is connected to said second half, said actuator is disposedin said cavity and secured by said second plurality of alignmentfeatures.
 18. The bracket for an active grille of claim 17, furthercomprising: a groove integrally formed as part of said first half; and alip integrally formed as part of said second half; wherein said lip isreceived into said groove when said first half is connected to saidsecond half, aligning said first half with said second half.
 19. Thebracket for an active grille of claim 17, said first plurality ofalignment features further comprising: a first projection integrallyformed with said first half; and a second projection integrally formedwith said second half; wherein said first projection and secondprojection contact said actuator when said first half is connected tosaid second half, supporting said actuator in said cavity.
 20. Thebracket for an active grille of claim 17, said second plurality ofalignment features further comprising: a third projection integrallyformed with said first half; and a fourth projection integrally formedwith said second half such that said fourth projection at leastpartially extends into a first of said plurality of apertures formed aspart of said actuator; wherein said third projection contacts saidfourth projection when said first half is connected to said second half,retaining said actuator in said cavity.
 21. The bracket for an activegrille of claim 20, further comprising: a recessed portion formed aspart of said third projection; and a tapered portion formed as part ofsaid fourth projection; wherein at least a portion of said taperedportion is received by said recessed portion when said first half isconnected to said second half.
 22. The bracket for an active grille ofclaim 17, further comprising a third plurality of alignment features,comprising: a fifth projection integrally formed with said first piece;and a sixth projection integrally formed with said second piece; whereinat least a portion of sixth projection extends into a second of saidplurality of apertures formed as part of said actuator such that fifthprojection contacts said sixth projection, preventing the rotation ofsaid actuator relative to said bracket.
 23. The bracket for an activegrille of claim 22, further comprising a fourth plurality of alignmentfeatures, comprising: a seventh projection having a single flange, saidseventh projection integrally formed with said first piece; and aneighth projection integrally formed with said second piece; wherein atleast a portion of said single flange extends into a third of saidplurality of apertures formed as part of said actuator such that saidsingle flange contacts said eighth projection, locating said actuator insaid cavity.
 24. The bracket for an active grille of claim 17, furthercomprising a plurality of side apertures operable for supporting saidone or more louvers, a portion of said plurality of side aperturesformed as part of said first half, and a portion of said plurality ofside apertures formed as part of said second half.
 25. The bracket foran active grille of claim 17, each of said plurality of attachmentfeatures further comprising: a projection integrally formed with saidfirst half; and a slot integrally formed with said second half such thatwhen said projection is extended through said slot, said first half isconnected to said second half.
 26. The bracket used for an active grilleof claim 17, further comprising: an upper tab formed as part of saidfirst half; a lower tab formed as part of said first half; and whereinsaid bracket is attached to a frame of a grille using a fastenerinserted through said upper tab, and another fastener inserted throughsaid lower tab.
 27. (canceled)
 28. (canceled)
 29. The bracket used foran active grille of claim 17, wherein said actuator is concealed whensaid first piece is connected to said second piece, and said first pieceand said second piece are connected to a frame.
 30. A bracket forreceiving an actuator used to operate an active grille, comprising: afirst half; a second half selectively connected to said first half; aplurality of attachment features for connecting said first half to saidsecond half; a cavity formed when said first half is connected to saidsecond half; an actuator disposed in said cavity operable for actuatingone or more louvers; a first plurality of alignment features forproviding proper alignment of said actuator in said cavity; a secondplurality of alignment features for providing proper alignment of saidactuator in said cavity; a groove formed as part of said first half; alip formed as part of said second half such that said lip is at leastpartially disposed in said groove when said first half is connected tosaid second half; and a plurality of side apertures operable forsupporting said one or more louvers, a portion of said plurality of sideapertures formed as part of said first half, and a portion of saidplurality of side apertures formed as part of said second half.
 31. Thebracket for an active grille of claim 30, said first plurality ofalignment features further comprising: a first projection formed as partof said first half; and a second projection formed as part of saidsecond half; wherein said second projection is in substantial alignmentwith said first projection such that when said first half is connectedto said second half, said first projection said second projectioncontact said actuator, supporting said actuator in said cavity.
 32. Thebracket for an active grille of claim 31, said second plurality ofalignment features further comprising: a third projection formed as partof said first half; a recessed portion formed as part of said thirdprojection; a fourth projection formed as part of said second half, saidfourth projection at least partially extends into one said plurality ofapertures formed as part of said actuator when said first half isconnected to said second half; and a tapered portion formed as part ofsaid fourth projection; wherein said tapered portion is at leastpartially received into said recessed portion when said first half isconnected to said second half, retaining said actuator in said cavity.33. The bracket used for an active grille of claim 32, furthercomprising a third plurality of alignment features for positioning saidactuator in said cavity said third plurality of alignment featurescomprising: a fifth projection integrally formed with said first piece;and a sixth projection integrally formed with said second piece; whereinat least a portion of said sixth projection extends into another of saidplurality of apertures formed as part of said actuator such that fifthprojection contacts said sixth projection, preventing the rotation ofsaid actuator relative to said bracket.
 34. The bracket used for anactive grille of claim 33, further comprising a fourth plurality ofalignment features for positioning said actuator in said cavity saidfourth plurality of alignment features further comprising: a seventhprojection having a single flange, said seventh projection integrallyformed with said first piece; and an eighth projection integrally formedwith said second piece; wherein at least a portion of said single flangeextends into another of said plurality of apertures formed as part ofsaid actuator such that said single flange contacts said eighthprojection, locating said actuator in said cavity.
 35. The bracket foran active grille of claim 30, each of said plurality of attachmentfeatures further comprising: a slot formed as part of said second half;and a projection formed as part of said first half; wherein saidprojection at least partially extends into said slot when said firsthalf is connected to said second half, securing said first half to saidsecond half.
 36. The bracket for an active grille of claim 30, furthercomprising: an upper tab formed as part of said first half; a lower tabformed as part of said second half; and wherein said bracket is attachedto a frame of a grille using a fastener inserted through said upper tab,and another fastener inserted through said lower tab.
 37. (canceled) 38.(canceled)
 39. The bracket used for an active grille of claim 30,wherein said actuator is concealed when said first piece is connected tosaid second piece, and said first piece and said second piece areconnected to a frame.